Choosing Your Breakthrough Goal

Christi Hegstad September 24th, 2017

Today begins the last week of September, which means we’re heading into the final quarter of the year. What do you want to make happen before 2017 wraps up?

Maybe you have numerous goals, or maybe just one with several moving parts. Either way, now – before the holiday hustle and bustle begins – is a great time to kick things into high gear.

Do you feel ready?

Or overwhelmed?

If you’re ready – go for it! Watch my blog a bit later this week for a tool that will help ensure you do what you set out to.

And if you’re not quite sure what to do next or feel overwhelmed by it all, start with two questions:

1. What do you most want to say about yourself at the end of the year?

2.Which one goal, if achieved, would complete – or propel forward – several other goals?

The first question will focus your attention on what matters most at this time.

The second question will reveal what I call your Breakthrough Goal.

Your Breakthrough Goal

Essentially, your Breakthrough Goal is the one that, if completed, elevates progress on several other goals or desires at the same time. Rather than slowly moving the various chess pieces forward one at a time (a tactic that often works well when time allows, like at the start of a new year), your Breakthrough Goal is like the one move that catapults you – keeping to the chess metaphor – toward checkmating your opponent.

Even if all your other pieces still remain on the chess board.

For example, a new client of mine sought out coaching in part because he hadn’t progressed on his 2017 goals as hoped. Now, with year-end approaching, he’s beginning to worry.

At the start of our partnership I asked about his goals, and he had set several: start his own consulting business within his current field (which he loved), begin a blog of helpful tips in his often-complex industry, publish an article in a trade publication, start a speaking career on the side, and various personal goals as well.

I asked him question #1 above, to which he responded, “To be honest, the writing piece is huge for me. For years I’ve said I want to start a blog, publish articles, and eventually write a book. I’d love to end the year able to say I wrote something for the public.”

Question #2 brought him an interesting ‘aha moment’: “Actually, if I started a blog, I would get writing practice as well as potentially get noticed by my trade publication. It could also position me as a thought leader in my field, which would help get my consulting practice and speaking work off the ground. The blog would set the foundation for everything else. And even just publishing one blog post would allow me to say I wrote something for the public!”

Guess where he has decided to focus his energy?

Maybe, like my client, you have several goals to accomplish and need to put them in a manageable order. Or perhaps you’ve got just one goal but it really needs a boost. Either way, try asking yourself those two clarifying questions: What do you most want to say about yourself at the end of the year? Which one goal, if achieved, would complete – or propel forward – several other goals?

Get clear on your top priority outcome for the remainder of the year, and you’ll likely find your motivation improving, your next best action becoming clear, and your momentum building. Then, tune in to this blog a bit later this week for one of the best tools I know to make your goal achievable!

Want help determining what matters most and how to prioritize it in your work, leadership, and life? Join us at Spark on Nov 3 – click here for details!

How To Set Yourself Apart

Christi Hegstad September 23rd, 2017

Want to truly stand out in your profession? Achieve #1 status? Be viewed as a thought leader, an expert, the best in the business?

Don’t worry about being better than anyone else. There’s no need to compare.

Instead, focus on your unique abilities, your deep purpose, and your strengths and gifts that make this world better.

Be so good that others are drawn to you, inspired by you, and transformed because of you.

Make your difference with your absolute awesomeness!

Unsure about your unique abilities, strengths, or purpose? You’ll uncover them at Spark – click here to join us!

(Source of sticker in photo unknown)

Work, Leadership, Life…and Love

Christi Hegstad September 22nd, 2017

When it comes to work and leadership, what role does love play for you?

We often don’t think of our professional roles and responsibilities in terms of love. To many, it may sound fluffy, mushy, or just plain odd.

But consider how you behave when you experience love in any of its myriad forms. Perhaps you speak more kindly. Maybe you pay greater attention. It’s possible you make more of an effort, want to give your best, move with greater care, or take a vested interest in how you act or what you say, knowing you want everyone to leave the experience feeling uplifted.

From this perspective, why wouldn’t we think in terms of love with regard to our work?

Today, consider how you could bring more love and kindness into your work, leadership, and life. Set the intention of taking each action with great love – even if (especially if) you think this sounds cheesy. What a profound difference you will make by doing so!

Come and hear how some extraordinary professionals have brought love, values, and purpose into their work and lives, and how you can too! Join us for Spark – click here for details.

Childhood Clues To Your Purpose

Christi Hegstad September 21st, 2017

What did you love to play as a child? How would you spend a lazy weekend or unplanned time after school? What lit you up before the tween/teen years, before you perhaps started caring more what others thought and said?

This is not a fluff question. What you loved as a child can typically connect you to your purpose in some way, shape, or form.

For example, looking back I was never a girl into hair or fashion (contrary to what the accompanying photo might suggest! 🙂 ). I rarely wore anything name brand and had long, thick, wild hair for most of my youth.

And for better or for worse, I still have pretty big hair and little idea how to dress myself!

But, I started a lot of clubs, and required…er, requested…that my friends come to meetings prepared with new ideas, research, drawings, and so forth. I wanted them to showcase their best, share what I had learned, and for everyone to cheer everyone else on. I asked a lot of questions. I read a lot, and even had a favorite willow tree in the front yard that I would climb with a book for hours on end. And I wrote constantly – in diaries, to friends, for school. In fact, when required to turn in a week’s worth of daily journal entries for junior high English class, my teacher wrote in the margins how in all her years of teaching, she never had a student write quite so many pages for that assignment!

As an adult, my career revolves around bringing out the best in people in a variety of ways: creating communities, speaking and training, coaching – which involves lots of questions, sharing new worlds discovered through reading, and writing, writing, writing – for the blog, in my journal, for publications like Forbes and Huffington Post, in academic journals, and so on. What I loved to do as a child has shifted form in some ways but is still the foundation of what I love to do now – and what I believe is part of my purpose here on earth: To inspire positive action.

So how about you? What captured your attention when you were young? What did you find yourself drawn to during summer vacation, quiet weekends, or even as favorite subjects and activities at school?

What role do they play in your life now? Or perhaps, what role would you like them to play?

How might they contribute to your purpose?

Consider taking some time to reflect on these questions while out for a walk, in your journal, or with a trusted friend. You may be surprised how many clues your childhood offers you about what lights you up and matters most to you today!

Want to get crystal clear on your purpose, as well as how to put it into action at work and in life? Join us for Spark on November 3 – click here for details!

Playing To Win, Or Not To Lose?

Christi Hegstad September 20th, 2017

In your work, leadership, and life, and with your big dreams and bold goals, are you playing to win – or playing not to lose?

Do you see the difference?

To me, playing to win means preparing fully, strengthening your mindset, visualizing success, believing, choosing positively, giving your all. People who play to win also play fairly and respectfully, know that winning is deep and holistic – not simply points on a scoreboard.

Playing not to lose, on the other hand, looks like the bare minimum. Avoidance of the important in favor of the urgent. Doing just enough to get by. Seeing the short-term as more valuable than the long-term.

In essence, playing not to lose is playing small rather than accessing your fullest and highest potential.

Today, play to win! Believe in yourself, your strength, and the difference you can make in the world. Decide what matters most then give it your all!

How To Become A Peak Performer

Christi Hegstad September 19th, 2017

Think about a time in your work or life when you felt truly at the top of your game. Maybe crossing the finish line after an invigorating 10k race, giving a presentation that left you and your audience completely inspired, or adding fine details to a painting that just kept getting better and better.

How did that experience feel?

What if you could feel that way more often?

In the book Peak Performance, Brad Stulberg, a former business consultant, teamed up with athletic coach Steve Magness to explore the concept and, more specifically, how we can experience more of it in our work, fitness, and lives. The authors incorporate a great deal of sound research to support their ideas, and hearing their examples from both business and athletic perspectives truly adds to the book’s flavor.

As a coach for high achievers who often crave those feelings of accomplishment that accompany peak performance, I read this book, as I typically do, with my clients, family members, and friends in mind. A few standout points:

Multitasking does not serve you.

“For 99% of us,” the authors state, “multitasking is nothing more than effective delusional thinking.” Science has supported this for years: We are far less effective when we jump from activity to activity, trying to do it all at once, than when we experience deep and focused work.

If you think you’re part of the 1% that can smoothly juggle projects and email and social media notifications and interruptions with no loss of productivity or no gain of stress, you may want to re-examine that thought. I love the example Stulberg and Magness offer: “Just imagine if a runner doing intervals on the track came to a complete stop to check her phone after each and every notification.” Doesn’t that put those ‘quick checks’ in perspective?

Mindset is key.

Researchers like Carol Dweck, Alia Crum, and others have scientifically shown how our mindset shapes our reality – physically, mentally, emotionally, and otherwise. And great news: If we’re not pleased with it, we can change it!

The authors point out how Olympic athletes tend to look calmer at the starting line – about to embark on the race of their lives – than many “weekend warriors” at a local 5k race. This is not because Olympians don’t get nervous – they’re human! But when they feel the butterflies and nerves, they tell themselves “I am excited!” instead of “I’m so stressed” – and their bodies respond. This shift in mindset, research tells us, can be even more effective on your performance than trying to calm yourself down.

Purpose leads the way.

Much to my delight, the entire final section of the book is dedicated to purpose. “Once you’ve developed a purpose,” advise Stulberg and Magness, “do whatever it is you can to build a life that allows you to fulfill it. The closer you can move to…living completely in alignment with your purpose, the better, happier, and healthier you’ll be.”

I agree wholeheartedly; consequently, so does the research. If your purpose feels unclear, consider enrolling for Spark where you will leave not only with your Purpose Statement written, but also numerous examples of people living theirs out in work, leadership, and life.

Overall, Peak Performance is an insightful book that will likely prompt you into action. Other terrific topics addressed include deliberate practice (vs. just any practice) to gain mastery, the power of (even quirky) routines, and the great value in showing up. “The best performers are not consistently great,” explain the authors, “but they are great at being consistent. They show up every day and they do the work.”

Think back to that peak performance you recalled at the start of this article, and come up with a few others. What patterns do you see? What supports your ability to perform at your best? Blend that with the ideas from this book and the supporting research, and you’ve got yourself a plan for sustainable success!

Stulberg, Brad & Magness, Steve. Peak Performance. Rodale, 2017.

An Instant Motivation Boost

Christi Hegstad September 18th, 2017

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.”

Albert Schweitzer

Coaching Tip of the Week:

It happens. Even to achievers like you and me.

Whether due to exhaustion, overwhelm, burnout, major life transition, or even for seemingly no reason whatsoever, we all experience dips in motivation from time to time. Those times when we just don’t feel like it.

You can address this in many ways, such as practicing some major self-care, taking a break or a little vacation, or relying on your own tricks and techniques that you’ve developed over the years.

But sometimes, having our spark rekindled by someone else is just the thing. Whether it’s reuniting with old friends, engaging in an invigorating conversation with a new friend, or meeting with a coach, mentor, or partner, we feel a burst of renewed energy just by making that connection.

This week, intentionally connect with someone.

Block your calendar for an extra-long lunch.

Make the drive back to your hometown.

Attend an upcoming event.

Ask people about their dreams, passions, and what lights them up. Ask about their story – the parts that make them feel proud, strong, or happy. Maybe even ask what they do when they feel a dip in energy or motivation.

Allow your spark to be rekindled by another person so you may do the same for others!

Want to be surrounded by positivity, purpose, and a desire to grow? Join us at Spark – click here for details!

What’s Your Intention This Week?

Christi Hegstad September 17th, 2017

Do you ever set an intention – a word that captures who and how you want to be throughout the day or week ahead?

My intention for the past few weeks has actually remained the same because it’s proving so enlightening! I’ve chosen the intention of flow and I interpret this through three different lenses:

Get into flow.

Engage those positive, passionate pursuits that fully engross you and make you lose track of time.

Tap into intuitive flow.

Pay attention to what raises your energy (versus what drains it) and honor those uplifts as much as possible. This may prove especially helpful before a big task or project.

Go with the flow.

If you’re anything like me, this may cause your inner planner to rebel – which can be a good growing experience every once in a while.

As a practical, research-based planner, the idea of ‘flow’ doesn’t always come naturally to me. Setting it as an intention prompts me to look at things differently, pay more attention to my energy levels, and exist more fully in the present moment. All of these outcomes have proven beneficial – enough to keep me coming back for more!

What does ‘flow’ mean for you? Will you choose it as your intention this week, or does another word or concept speak to you more? Feel free to share your thoughts below or on Instagram!

Get into the flow with us at our 5th – and final – Spark retreat on November 3! Click here for details.

Behind The Scenes: My Daily Routines

Christi Hegstad September 13th, 2017

You know how pediatricians emphasize the importance of structure, like a soothing and consistent bedtime routine, in order to bring a sense of comfort, safety, and peace for your little one? Sometimes I feel like an “adult toddler”: while I love adventure and those fun, unexpected moments, I thrive when they are supported by strong habits that keep me grounded and purposeful!

Since giving you my Ideal Time Map tool in last month’s Do What You Love! newsletter, as well as posting about some unique books and the power of daily habits recently, several of you have asked about my daily routines. I’m happy to share.

I’ve written often about my morning practice – what I do upon waking – so you can find a refresher here. After that, as well as breakfast and morning chats with my kiddos, I have several routines that keep me feeling strong and purposeful at work. A few in particular:

1. 5-Point Scan.

At the front of my planner sits one page with five important components: My Vision Statement, Purpose Statement, Guiding Principles, Values, and Bold Goals. Each day, I take a moment to review those items. They remind me who I am, what I feel put on this planet to do, and why I’m about to work as hard as I do.

2. Morning Block: Daily Top 3.

Ideally, I set aside the first hour of the day to complete – or at least make headway on – my Daily Top 3: My top priorities for the day regardless of whether anything else goes according to plan. I establish my Top 3 the evening before so I don’t waste any time wondering what to do or where to start (my energy is highest in the morning, so this is important). I silence my phone, turn off any messaging, and often utilize the Pomodoro Technique to increase my focus.

3. Lunch Break.

The operative word here is “break.” It doesn’t always fall during lunch time, but I like to set aside 30 minutes somewhere in my day for a complete change of focus. It might involve eating lunch, taking a walk, meeting a friend for coffee, reading my latest nonfiction fave, or sitting in the sun and writing. I come back to the work refreshed and refocused.

4. Chart Update.

Since I set three Bold Goals each year, I need to break them down into small, manageable pieces – then track my actions and results. I create charts for these, then spend a minute or two each day updating my progress. Since discovering the wonderful world of bullet journaling, this has become a creative outlet as well!

5. Prep For Tomorrow, Today.

When my kids were little, we used to watch a show on PBS called “The Big Comfy Couch.” At the end of each episode, the main character would engage the 10-second tidy – a super-quick cleanup of her space before she went to bed. If I enter my office in the morning with piles of paper and unfinished work, I feel behind before I even begin. So I conduct my own 10-second tidy and also set up my Daily Top 3 for tomorrow.

If you think routines will stifle your flow or make you feel stuck, I argue the opposite. My routines anchor my day with purpose and intention, so when the unexpected arises (as it does almost daily ;-)), I can confidently flow with it instead of swirl in last-minute panic. Interestingly, it’s the days when I don’t honor my practices that I feel most off!

Want to know more? Join us for Spark – click here to enroll!

What daily routine helps you feel inspired, purposeful, and on track? Share your thoughts below, or on Instagram or Facebook!

Helping Others Helps You

Christi Hegstad September 11th, 2017

We have at our fingertips an infinite capacity to light a spark of possibility. Passion, rather than fear, is the igniting force. Abundance, rather than scarcity, is the context.

Zander & Zander

Coaching Tip of the Week:

We live in a time of endless possibility. When things seem too huge or difficult, however, we can easily forget this.

One way to remember? Get out of our own heads and support someone else in growing their mindset, courage, and ability to make a difference.

This week, help someone expand their sense of possibility.

A friend doubting himself? Remind him of a challenging goal he successfully reached in the past.

A family member worried about current events? Help her focus on actions she can take and what’s within her control to change.

An employee shutting down ideas with “It will never work”? Ask him to generate 3-5 possible solutions as a starting point.

If fear currently seems like the igniting force, check my post on yesterday’s Instagram or Facebook for several more ideas (and, as always, feel free to add your own). If you’re ready to be surrounded by possibility, join us for Spark before the Earlybird Rate ends!

Category Archives: Uncategorized